GAC GS8 vs Haval H9 Comparison

On last week while I was on flight I was just exploring an automobile magazine and there I got to see this particular model from GAC. The mere looks of this model rendered an impression that finally Chinese cars have emerged a model that looks like any Land Cruiser though it isn’t in reality. They are exhibiting this model in their original designing statement and there lies the significance of this model. The curb appeal that is being portrayed by the front will automatically create a wow factor in the rider or buyer’s heart. There is a boxy feel to its front part that also is tough to overlook.

We’ve lived in the UAE for 12 years and have owned several new vehicles during that time — this is our fifth. Until now, we’ve never had a bad experience with a car purchase. Unfortunately, our experience with the Haval H9 has been disappointing. We purchased the car brand new in March 2025. On paper, it seemed like a great choice: spacious, stylish, and seemingly well-suited for a family with three children. However, we’ve faced a number of issues since day one. Immediately after delivery, the car began shaking noticeably during driving. The dealership replaced the tyres, which they believed to be the cause (I appreciate that the sales and service staff were polite and willing to assist). However, the problem persists. When we raised this again, we were told by the engineers that the shaking is “normal,” which hasn’t been our experience with any other vehicle and still doesn’t feel right or safe. There are also other ongoing concerns: the exhaust makes a crackling noise after the engine is turned off (which we were told is also “normal”), the air conditioning struggles to cool the cabin effectively, even after 30 minutes of driving in UAE heat and the radio reception is consistently poor, making FM stations difficult to enjoy. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control system has proven frustrating, particularly since there's no option for a standard cruise control mode. We’ve taken the car to the Haval service centres three times now to try to resolve these issues, but each time we’re given the same response: everything is “normal.” It’s been frustrating, as these problems continue to affect our day-to-day use of the vehicle. We've spent around 15–20 hours so far, between visits, calls, and messages, trying to get these issues resolved. However, after three months, we’ve made no meaningful progress with any of them. Had I known about these issues beforehand, I would have seriously considered other options. I’ve since spoken with a few other owners who’ve shared similar feedback, so I know I’m not alone in this experience. I hope this review helps others make a more informed decision.